Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8

Every new year, there seems to be a common desire for newness, a fresh start. We love that concept. New year, new me. The old is gone. The habits of the past year are going to be changed, and we are going to start with different, healthier ones. We set up schedules, goals, and action plans. Some stick, others fade away with time. And although that desire to be better is commendable, there is also something to be said about familiarity, dependability, and routine. Sometimes, I can be a bit forgetful, so I rely on schedules to keep me focused on what needs to be done. It gives me a sense of calm and peace having predictability. When I was working as an early childhood teacher, having a very predictable (yet flexible) daily and weekly routine worked wonders for the kids as well. Not only did they learn to expect what was in store that day (e.g., baking, art, cooking, park day), but also how the teachers would respond. Consequences, whether in word or action, were never a surprise. It worked amazingly well for the most part. Not because it was magical, but because it was consistent.

Similarly, although the pull of newness and spontaneity is exciting, I believe we all crave some level of consistency. It feels safe. I appreciate the comfort of knowing my husband will be home from work at a certain time. I love the joy of family traditions. I relish the predictable comings and goings of my children’s schedules. I am especially grateful that, although the above things at times do change or don’t go as planned, I have a God who never changes. The reality of life is that there will be curveballs, changes, or even unexpected tragedies. There can be confusion and chaos.

These are the times when we can rest in God, who is faithful to his character, for “he cannot deny himself” (2 Tim. 2:13). A God who does not respond haphazardly, but intentionally, because of his unchangeable nature and plans (Ps. 139:16, Jer. 29:10, Prov. 16:9). A God who is not there for us when it is convenient, but who “will never leave us or forsake us”(Deut 31:8, Heb. 13:5). A God whose standards don’t change with times or trends, but whose statutes are eternal (Is. 40:8). The same God who opened the Red Sea, and shut the lion’s mouth, the same God who sets up nations and brings them down, the same God who made the heavens and earth and raises the dead to life…is still the God of today. This is the same Lord who opened my Red Sea and delivered me from my slavery. This same Lord is the One who kept the lions of this world from devouring me. This same Lord is the One who has raised these dead, dry bones and heart of stone and has given a heart of flesh. This same Lord has created a new mind, life, and purpose.

Do you know this God? Do you know this Jesus? Wouldn’t you like to have a constant anchor for your soul amidst the ever-changing tides of life? Are you craving a haven for your restless heart? He is not far. He is near the broken-hearted. Seek the Lord while he can be found- and receive the never-changing love of the One who loved you before the foundation of this temporary earth. The One who will love you forever with a steadfast and unchangeable love. Not because of who you are, but because of who He is, for even when we are faithless, he remains faithful.

It is many times a good thing for us to change, for it is when we comprehend new things that our minds change, and we grow and mature. But God has no need for that. He is perfect. Always has been and always will be. What a comfort to understand this attribute of God. For in this, our fickle ways may anchor firmly in immutable ground and find peace in safe harbor.

Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end.

Psalm 102:25-27

In Christ,

Bianca